Muscle Breakdown: Tibialis Posterior
Table of Contents
What Is the Tibialis Posterior
The Tibialis Posterior is a thin muscle located in the back of the lower leg. It is a deep muscle that plays a key role in the stabilization of the Medial Arch of the foot. The Tibialis Posterior is similar to the Flexor Hallucis Longus, as they both feature long tendons that run down to the sole of the foot.
Tibialis Posterior Muscle & Cadaver
Tibialis Posterior Function
The Tibialis Posterior functions to Plantar Flex the foot and perform Inversion at the Ankle. The Tibialis Posterior also stabilizes the Medical Arch of the foot. If the Tibialis Posterior is dysfunctional, it can result in flat feet.
Tibialis Posterior Origin and Insertion
Tibialis Posterior Origin
The Tibialis Posterior originates at both the Tibia and the Fibula. Specifically, the proximal posterio-lateral and the proximal posterio-medial sections of each bone respectively. The Tibialis Posterior also has origins from the Interosseus Membrane.
Tibialis Posterior Insertion
The Tibialis Posterior inserts to the Navicular bone of the foot and the Medial Cuneiform.
Tibialis Posterior Tendon
The Tibialis Posterior Tendon runs along the medial side of the ankle, underneath the medial malleolus. The Tibialis Posterior Tendon often experiences dysfunction when it becomes torn or inflamed. This can result in flat feet as the trauma to the tendon creates instability and is no longer able to support the medial arch.
If the Tibialis Posterior Tendon becomes dysfunctional, it can be treated with orthotics and braces. If none of these methods provide relief, surgery is an option to remove the inflamed tissue. However, many who have chosen the surgical route have experienced limitations in the foot after the procedure.
Posterior Tibialis Pulse
The Posterior Tibialis Pulse is the pulse from the Posterior Tibialis Artery. This pulse can be felt just behind the medial malleolus and before the Achilles Tendon. The presence of this pulse is often used to assess if a patient has a peripheral vascular disease.
Tibialis Posterior Action
The Tibialis Posterior action is to support the medial arch of the foot, produce inversion and assist in plantar flexion.
Tibialis Posterior Pulse
The Tibialis Posterior Pulse can be easily palpated just behind the medial ankle.
Posterior Tibialis Pain
If you are experiencing pain along the inside of the foot and ankle that can radiate up the shin, you are probably experiencing Posterior Tibialis Pain. This type of pain is indicative of the dysfunction of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon and action should be taken immediately to ensure that your injury does not progress into something worse such as a tendon rupture.
Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy
Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy can be easily tested for. Try standing on the toes of your affected leg to perform a single leg heel raise. If you are still experiencing symptoms as you do this, or your symptoms are becoming worse, you probably have Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy.
As your Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy progresses, your medial arch will slowly drop. Therefore, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as possible to prevent this condition from becoming worse!
Tibialis Posterior Reflex
A Tibialis Posterior Reflex is demonstrated when the dorsal side of the foot is tapped with a reflex hammer.
Posterior Tibialis Shin Splints
The Posterior Tibialis can contribute to shin splints if the medial arch has fallen. Having flat arches can cause an imbalance in the foot’s alignment, which can create pain in the shins. A possible quick solution to reducing the symptoms of shin spins over time can be the utilization of orthotics or braces in the shoe to help support the medial arch and recreate stability in the foot.
Tibialis Posterior Nerve
The Tibialis Posterior is innervated by the Tibial Nerve.
Tibialis Posterior Pain Running
Dysfunction of the Tibialis Posterior has a great impact on runners. When the medial arch of the foot is not supported and has fallen, this can lead to an overpronation of the foot when running. This overpronation from having a flat foot places increased stress on the Tibialis Posterior Tendon, which can result in shin splints and even Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis.
If you have noticed that the arches of your feet have fallen, you should seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further injury from occurring.
Tibialis Posterior Antagonist
The primary antagonist of the Tibialis Posterior is the Peroneus Brevis and Longus (also known as Fibularis Brevis and Longus) which functions to evert the foot.
Tibialis Posterior Palpation
The most common reason to palpate the Tibialis Posterior is to locate the Tibialis Posterior Pulse. Remember that this pulse is located just behind the medial malleolus.
Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis Taping
There are many effective ways to tape the foot to help alleviate the symptoms of Tibialis Posterior Tenonitis. A quick search on the internet will demonstrate many ways to tape the foot and even the position that the foot should be in when applying the tape. A visual demonstration is often the best way to learn how to tape the Tibialis Posterior as many individuals are unfamiliar with anatomical terms.
Tibialis Posterior Trigger Point
The Tibialis Posterior Trigger Point is right in the middle of the calf muscle but is very deep. Pressing on this trigger point can help to alleviate painful symptoms associated with the Tibialis Posterior. Those who hike or run often are more likely to experience pain in the Tibialis Posterior Trigger Point.
